2026 Georgia Primary Runoff

Democrat

Nonpartisan

Republican

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Cathy Cook is originally from Columbus, Georgia. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Meharry Medical College. 

Cathy's campaign for Columbus, Georgia, City Council Member is her first run for public office. 

Cathy currently works as the chief executive officer and dentist at Cook Dental Care, PC. She served as a dental officer in the U.S. Army Dental Corps for five years. 

Supports policies that promote economic opportunity in Columbus.

- Supports policies that promote economic opportunity in Columbus.

Economy

Supports increased investment in public health and prevention programs.

Supports transparency and accountability in local government.

- Supports increased investment in public health and prevention programs.
- Supports transparency and accountability in local government.

Public Services

As of May 22, 2026, Cathy Laverne Cook’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Housing & Urban Development

Supports community-based approaches to improving public safety.

- Supports community-based approaches to improving public safety.

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

Cathy Laverne Cook

Alejandra Gracias

Buket Urgen

John Anker earned his bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing from the Georgia Southern University Parker College of Business. 

John Anker breaks tradition, files to run for citywide Columbus Council seat

John currently serves as a City Council Member, District 9, in Columbus, Georgia. He was appointed in 2025. He previously ran for City Council Member, District 9, in 2024 and Mayor of the City of Columbus, Georgia in 2022, but did not win. 

John currently works as the president of Ankerpak, a logistics company. He previously worked in sales at Wilpak and Pratt Industries. 

As of May 22, 2026, John Anker’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes city government should prioritize safety, infrastructure, accountability, and "responsible growth" that benefits the whole community.

- Believes city government should prioritize safety, infrastructure, accountability, and "responsible growth" that benefits the whole community.

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John Anker

- City council members work together with the rest of city council to set and implement city policy. 
- City council is tasked with ensuring the health, comfort, and safety of residents of the city 
- City council members work with the mayor to govern city departments, such as the police department, fire department, transportation department, and parks and recreation department. 
- City council members represent either the whole city or residents of a specific district. 
- Most city council members in Georgia are elected in odd years to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. 

Passes laws and regulations for your city.

Columbus City Council Member Runoff

Election results

Candidates (2)